diff --git a/lib/embulk/input/google_spreadsheets/pager.rb b/lib/embulk/input/google_spreadsheets/pager.rb
index 3a0eed5..fe462c0 100644
--- a/lib/embulk/input/google_spreadsheets/pager.rb
+++ b/lib/embulk/input/google_spreadsheets/pager.rb
@@ -67,6 +67,10 @@ def validate!
 
         def max_accessible_row_num(client)
           sheets_max = client.worksheet_max_row_num
+          if start_row > sheets_max
+            raise ConfigError.new("`embulk-input-google_spreadsheets`: start_row `#{start_row}` is larger than spreadsheets max row `#{sheets_max}`")
+          end
+
           if end_row > sheets_max
             raise ConfigError.new("`embulk-input-google_spreadsheets`: end_row `#{end_row}` is larger than spreadsheets max row `#{sheets_max}`")
           end